Fansided

Evander Kane trade rumors: Kings have interest

By Dave Stevenson

Mar 10, 2017; Columbus, OH, USA; Buffalo Sabres left wing Evander Kane (9) against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena. The Blue Jackets won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 10, 2017; Columbus, OH, USA; Buffalo Sabres left wing Evander Kane (9) against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena. The Blue Jackets won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Los Angeles Kings are reportedly expressing interest in trading for Buffalo Sabres forward Evander Kane. 

After being hired as the new general manager of the Los Angeles Kings, former players Rob Blake needs to improve an offense that scored just 201 goals last season. This ranked 25th in the NHL. The Kings are reportedly interested in Buffalo Sabres forward Evander Kane.

"[Kane’s] an unrestricted free agent after next season – one year left on his deal. And the word is that the L.A. Kings are one of the teams that’s interested, and I think the Sabres are willing to do it if L.A. and them can strike a deal."

One would think the Sabres want a defenseman for Kane, who’s coming off a 28-goal season. Brayden McNabb could be a fit, as the Kings could wind up losing him to the Vegas Golden Knights. Los Angeles likely won’t be able to protect the defenseman. This would be ironic because the Kings acquired McNabb from the Sabres back in 2014.

It remains to be seen if Blake can find a way to squeeze Kane under the salary cap. According to CapFriendly, the Kings will have roughly $12 million of cap space should the salary cap ceiling rise to $76 million. Kane has a $3.75 million cap hit next season before becoming a free agent. Extending him would be very difficult, as the Kings have several RFAs to extend. Not to mention Drew Doughty is a free agent after the 2018-19 season.

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However, Kane would make sense for the Kings. He directly addresses their goaltending issues. Kane has multiple off the ice issues, but on the ice, he can be very productive. The Sabres need to add to their blue line and Los Angeles is in a position to help them acquire some help.

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